by Hilton Columbia, S.C.
Collegiate nostalgia meets bold Southern color. Think tailored patterns, linen fabrics, vinyl grasscloth wallpaper, and an abundance of Gamecock spirit. Zero minimalism, zero apology for it.
Game-day weekends book up fast and rates jump significantly — check the USC football schedule before locking in travel dates.
Why It Matters
It is the only Graduate property actually set on its university's campus rather than adjacent to it. That proximity makes it the go-to for USC move-in weekends, new student orientation, and Gamecocks home football games — book early for those dates, rates spike hard.
Graduate Columbia is the Graduate brand's most campus-integrated property — it literally sits on the University of South Carolina grounds, inside a redbrick federal-style building that dates to 1910 (formerly the Inn at USC). The design leans hard into Gamecock culture: rooster-inspired headboards, Cockaboose table lamps, alumni portraits, bold color palettes, floral wallpaper, and black-and-white checkered floors at the front desk. It is louder than it is luxurious, but that's the point. Boutique touches like Malin + Goetz bath products keep it from feeling like a theme park.
Where You'll Stay
8 room types available
Black House Suite
The most distinctive rooms in the hotel. Three suites on the second floor of the historic Black House section feature original architectural woodwork and grand four-poster beds. Poindexter Coffee's hand-carved bar downstairs is built from Black House wood as well. These are a meaningful step above the standard Graduate experience.
King
Bridal Suite
Available for weddings and special occasions. The hotel actively markets wedding packages and has event space to match. The bridal suite provides a home base for the wedding party on-site.
King
Family Suite
Configured for families, with space for kids. The Hilton rooms page calls these out specifically alongside the Pop Culture Suites as signature room types. Good option for USC orientation weekends when parents and students are sharing a room.
KingJunior Suite
A step up from the standard king with a defined separate living area. More breathing room, same colorful Graduate aesthetic. Good pick if you're staying a few nights and want space to spread out without going full suite.
KingKing Suite
The full-suite option with a separate lounge area and more generous proportions. The gallery-documented King Suite lounge shows colorful armchairs and a mirror — more of a pied-à-terre feel. Rates can hit $549 on game weekends.
KingPop Culture Suite
Graduate's brand-signature immersive suite concept, themed around a specific pop culture angle. These rotate by property and lean into the college-town-meets-entertainment aesthetic that defines the Graduate brand.
KingStandard Double Queen Room
Same bold decor as the king rooms — rooster headboards, grasscloth wallpaper, vinyl patterns — but with two queen beds for families or groups. Fits two couples or a family without the need to upgrade to a suite.
Two QueensStandard King Room
The bread-and-butter room. Gamecock-inspired headboard, alumni portraits on the walls, Cockaboose lamp on the desk. Decor is a mix of linen fabrics and vinyl grasscloth wallpaper. Rooms run on the smaller side — fine for one or two people traveling light, but the bathroom can feel tight.
KingThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Board games and puzzles available in common areas for guests. Good for downtime between campus events or rainy evenings.
A small library available for guests who want to settle in with a book. Nothing extensive, but a nice nod to the collegiate theme.
Borrow a bike from the front desk to explore the USC campus and surrounding downtown Columbia. Staff will help you pick the right bike, provide safety equipment, and hand over a map of nearby spots. It's one of the more useful amenities the hotel offers given the campus and downtown walkability.
The hotel has approximately 2,500 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting and event space, capable of hosting up to 200 people. Two formal meeting rooms plus a back porch and outdoor courtyard. The spaces are named and styled with Palmetto State history in mind. Active weddings program with a dedicated team.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
2,500 sq ft of flexible event space including two formal meeting rooms, a back porch, and an outdoor courtyard. Can accommodate up to 200 guests. The 24-hour business center is also available.
A fireplace anchors the lobby lounge area, complemented by colorful seating and decor. A good gathering spot in cooler months.
Complimentary high-speed WiFi throughout the hotel and in all guest rooms. Premium WiFi available with the Experience the Stay package.
Fully equipped gym with ellipticals, treadmills, Peloton bikes for interactive cycling sessions, and free weights for strength training. Available around the clock.
Outdoor seating areas and a patio available for guests. Good spot to enjoy a drink from the Trophy Room bar.
On-site covered self-parking at $15 per day with in/out privileges. No valet. No EV charging. No reservation needed.
Maximum two pets allowed per stay. Each pet incurs a one-time, non-refundable $75 hosting fee charged at check-in. Maximum weight of 75 lbs per pet.
This hotel does not have a swimming pool.
On-site laundry facilities and dry cleaning service available.
Hilton Honors members can use the app for Digital Key room entry. Also supports express check-in and check-out.
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